Water comprises 60% of your body weight. As a result, proper hydration is important for your overall health and the proper functioning of your various bodily systems. It is consistently invoked by doctors and health advisors as a vital aspect of staying healthy. Does a link between dehydration and hair loss exist though?
Can You Lose Hair from Lack of Water?
As of now, more research is required to prove a direct link between dehydration and hair loss. However, when your body is dehydrated it causes your hair to become dry and brittle as the keratin that makes up the strands dries out. This can not only increase the chances of the strands breaking, but also can inhibit further growth.
Will Drinking More Water Help Thinning Hair?
While dehydration has not been proven to have a direct link to thinning hair, it does play an important role in the health of your hair. Healthier hair is less likely to be subject to thinning. Three ways that drinking water can help improve hair health and growth include:
· When dehydrated, blood flow to hair follicles is reduced and starving the hair follicles of necessary nutrients. Proper hydration ensures the proper flow of nutrients to the follicles providing them with the fuel for proper growth.
· The reduced blood flow that is one of the signs of dehydration also results in a reduction in the supply of oxygen to the follicles.
· Dehydration can also disrupt the scalp's natural moisture balance – which is an essential factor in having a healthy head of hair.
What Does Dehydration Hair Loss Look Like?
When the body becomes dehydrated, the hair loses its shine and takes on a dull, lifeless appearance with straw-like texture. This is because the keratin – which is a building block of hair – requires hydration and is drying out.
How Do You Know If You're Chronically Dehydrated?
Water facilitates every bodily process, and a simple deficiency of fluid results in dehydration. The body tries its best to function with less water. Chronic dehydration is more severe – requiring prompt medical attention – and is the result of long term dehydration. It's like running your car with an ever-decreasing amount of oil.
Symptoms indicating possible chronic dehydration can include:
· Dry skin
· Ongoing fatigue
· Frequent headaches
· Constipation
· Consistent weakness of the muscles
HairMD Has The Expertise You Need
If you are experiencing hair thinning or loss, diagnosing the contributing factors is an essential first step in developing a treatment plan. Our nationally renowned treatment team brings more than three decades of experience to the table in developing customized and targeted treatment plans, tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Contact us today to request a consultation, and start on the road to your healthiest head of hair!
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